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03-0049, Slide 1

40Th Annual Armament Systems-Guns-Ammunition Rockets Missiles

40Th Annual Armament Systems-Guns-Ammunition Rockets Missiles

Allen StultsUS Army RDECOM AMRDEC

AMSRD-AMR-PS-WFallen.stults@us.army.mil

Missile Systems Lethality Enhancement through the use of a

Conducting Aerosol Plasma Warhead27 April 2005

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Multi-Functional Warheads Are Lethal Against a Large Target Set

Multi-Functional Warheads Are Lethal Against a Large Target Set

• Enhanced blast and fragmenting warheads have been successfully combined with shaped charges to service multiple target types with the same missile warhead, such as in Joint Common Missile. These are termed multi-purpose warheads.

• The next class of future missile systems can be further improved by adding RF effects to broaden the target set and enhance lethality

• The first step is to demonstrate additional effects without degrading existing capabilities

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Multi-Effects Electromagnetic WarheadMulti-Effects Electromagnetic Warhead

Cell phoneCell phone

RadioRadio

ComputerComputer

GPS Jammer

GPS Jammer

Vehicle Ignition System

Vehicle Ignition System

Develop and Integrate Warheads into Missile

Systems to Destroy and Disable Electronic Systems

and their Operators in Support of Combat Forces

Develop and Integrate Warheads into Missile

Systems to Destroy and Disable Electronic Systems

and their Operators in Support of Combat Forces

EMP for ElectronicsEMP for Electronics

Enhanced Blast for Personnel LethalityEnhanced Blast for Personnel Lethality

Fragments for Equipment Lethality

Fragments for Equipment Lethality

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Three Major Products From Missile Laboratory to Missile Programs

Three Major Products From Missile Laboratory to Missile Programs

• Improved Anti-Armor Precursor Charge

• Enhanced GMLRS Bomblet or Cargo Round payload

• Next Generation 2.75” Rocket Warhead

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Baseline Warhead Trade StudiesBaseline Warhead Trade Studies

• EM Measurements of Detonations and Plasma Characterizations

• Non-Ideal Explosives for Shape Charges/ Conductive Metal Antennas and Masonry destruction

Improved Seed Sources Program, SBIR leverage of FEG and FMG

• EM Measurements of Detonations and Plasma Characterizations

• Non-Ideal Explosives for Shape Charges/ Conductive Metal Antennas and Masonry destruction

Improved Seed Sources Program, SBIR leverage of FEG and FMG

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TOW Tip Charge Flash X-rayTOW Tip Charge Flash X-ray

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Plasma EntrainmentPlasma Entrainment

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Test Set-UpTest Set-Up

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Test Article N5 and Metal Fuel Rich MixTest Article N5 and Metal Fuel Rich Mix

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Filled test ArticleFilled test Article

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Representative Cover PlatesRepresentative Cover Plates

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Demonstration of Deflagration Effects on Masonry Targets

Demonstration of Deflagration Effects on Masonry Targets

• Test various mixes of approximately 50 grams of aluminum powder pyrotechnic and thermite

• Gather fireball size, expansion rate and duration data for modeling efforts

• Investigating switch timing requirements to load dynamic plasma antenna

• Demonstrate robustness of masonry destructiveness at 10 CDs stand-off

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Test 1Test 1

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Test 1 VideoTest 1 Video

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Test 1 – High Speed VideoTest 1 – High Speed Video

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Test 1 – Masonry DestructionTest 1 – Masonry Destruction

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Test 2Test 2

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Test 3Test 3

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Test 4Test 4

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Test 5Test 5

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Test 6Test 6

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Test 7Test 7

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Conclusions and PlansConclusions and Plans

• Conductive Plasmas made from Deflagrating mixtures have significant destructive effects on masonry

• Significant Differences in Similar Mixes Allow the EM Designer a Robust set of Design Characteristics

• Temperature and Conductivity Effects will be further tested this Summer

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ThanksThanks

Joey Reed and Mike Kennemer for all their help in experimental conduct

George Arkoosh for his help in video production

Larry Altgilbers for his encouragement and advice